Short Communication
Discrimination of Seven Species of Bagrid Catfishes Under The Genus
Mystus Using RAPD Fingerprinting
A. Darshan1*, A. Barat2, R. Dutta1,3 & D.N Das1,3
1Centre with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791112, India.
2Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Indian Council of Agricultural Research,
Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Bhimtal-263136, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.
3Fishery and Aquatic Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University,
Rono Hills, Doimukh-791112, India.
Journal of Bioresources 3(2): 1-5(2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: achom_darshan@yahoo.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: A comparative random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis is carried out for the first time on
seven species ofMystus (Bagrid catfishes) distributed in two river basins, in the northeastern India, to evaluate the degree of
genetic similarity among them. This study used thirteen arbitrary oligodecamer RAPD markers amplifying 639 reproducible
and scorable bands of size 285 to 2150 bp which are assigned to 204 loci. Similarity index values obtained for each pairwise
comparison among the seven species ranged between 0.208 to 0.454. The dendogram grouped all the seven species into two
major clusters based on their genetic differences by reflecting the morphological differences among them. Cluster A includes
M. rufescens, M. ngasep, M. bleekeri, M. cavasius and M. falcarius whereas M. tengara and M. dibrugarensis are fall under
cluster B .The dendogram also clearly showed the genetic similarity of M. bleekeri populations of the upper and lower
Brahmaputra basin by clustering together with a similarity index value of 0.454. Thus, the results have inferred that RAPD
markers are useful in distinguishing the species of Mystus and establishing their interrelationship based on their genetic
composition.
Key words: Interrelationship, Mystus , RAPD, Species-segregation
Original Research Article
Occurrence of Marine Actinobacteria in the Subtropical front Sea water
Sivakumar, K1*., C. Aarthi1, P.V. Bhaskar, N. Anilkumar2 and L. Kannan1
1CAS in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Tamilnadu, India
1,2National Centre for Antarctic Ocean Research, Goa, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(2): 6-10(2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email:oceanactino@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Marine environment is the largest environment on the planet and the oceans serve as the host for huge microbial
populations whose diversity is still challenging. Among the ocean microbial populations, actinobacterial diversity is of paramount
importance for natural products synthesis. Studies on marine actinobacteria from the marine sediments is well known.
However, reports of actinobacterial diversity from sea water are only few. Present study is one of such initiative works to
investigate the actinobacterial diversity from sub-tropical sea waters. Seawater samples from DCM (Deep Chlorophyll
Maximum) region of the sub tropical front waters of the Southern Ocean were collected using Niskin (5L) water sampler
during the Southern Ocean Expedition 6. Actinobacterial counts reached 1.2x10-2 CFU/ml of sea water. Among the isolates,
four showed distinct morphological and physiological properties. Cultural characteristics were determined after 3-4 weeks
according to the methods given in the International Streptomyces Project. Established procedures were used to determine the
diagnostic isomers of DAP and the whole cell sugars. These isolates were identified upto genus level on the molecular (16S
rDNA sequence analysis) basis and the occurrence of species of Streptomyces andSaccharopolyspora was observed. Present
study, reporting the two generaStreptomyces andSaccharopolyspora from the subtropical sea waters, signifies that there is no
dearth of the microbes in the sea water and it would be worth attempting to explore their diversity, using metagenomics. Such
culture independent studies may reveal and include rare and novel forms of planktonic actinobacteria from the marine realm.
Key words: Marine Actinobacteria, Saccharopolyspora, Streptomyces, Sub tropical front sea
Original Research Article
Molluscan Diversity on Miramar Beach, Goa, India
I. K. Pai* and Snehal S. Kanekar
Department of Zoology, Goa University, Goa-403 206, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(2): 11-16(2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: ikpai@unigoa.ac.in
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: The molluscs compose the large phylum of invertebrate, has around 85,000 extant species comprises about 23% of
all the named marine organisms. They live in marine waters, freshwater and also terrestrial habitats. They are highly diverse
with regards to their size, structure, behavior and in habitat. The phylum is typically divided into 10 taxonomic classes, of which
two are entirely extinct. Like any other groups, several molluscs are being discovered every year and the list of molluscs
increases on regular basis. In India malacologists have contributed in discovering ‘new species’ every now and then. Despite
the above, as Goa was liberated much later than Indian independence, there is a lacunae on the knowledge about the
molluscan diversity in this part of our country. So, to understand the molluscan diversity, an opportunistic survey was
conducted from June to January, at Goa’s famous, Miramar beach, a beach in the middle of the city. In the present survey,
transect and quadrate method was followed. The results showed the presence of 47 species of mollusc under 23 different
families on the beach, proving rich molluscan diversity in the study site. Appearance of the species varies during monsoon and
winter seasons of the year. Highest number of species was recorded during the monsoon season which gradually declines with
the onset of autumn and winter season. It has been speculated that appearance of molluscan species depend upon the
temperature and food of the beach. Maximmum number of the species during monsoon is due to the availability of food and
optimum temperature for breeding.
Key words: Marine ecology, Miramar beach, Molluscan diversity
Original Research Article
Nutritional Profile of a Few Selected Wild Edible Plants of Papum Pare
District of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Binita Medak* and L.B. Singha
Environment & Natural Resources Management Laboratory, Department of Forestry
North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (Deemed University),
Nirjuli-791109, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(2): 17-21(2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: bmbini212@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Despite self-sufficiency of food at national level, a considerable population who thrive in the rural areas of India is
still undernourished. As shifting cultivation remained the major cultivation practice in Arunachal Pradesh with limited and
insufficient crop yield, majority of the common people rely on several hundreds of wild edibles to meet their food requirements.
Present study was carried out in Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, where, many ethnic tribes of the state
inhabit in both rural and urban areas. Several hundreds of wild edible plants and animal resources are consumed and also sold
in the market places. This study has determined the nutritional quality of most commonly consumed three wild edible plants
namely, Polygonum runcinatum, Pilea bracteosa and Elatostema platyphyllum which grow in the wild. Plant samples were
collected from natural habitats and oven-dried, ground and further detail analyses for nutritional parameters were carried out
following standard methods. Findings of this study revealed that, all the three wild edible plants were rich in total carbohydrate,
protein and minerals with higher values than most of the reported wild edible plants including few common vegetables. Fat
and sodium content was low but fibre and potassium content was higher than many wild edible plants and common vegetables.
Hence, these three wild edible plants may be recognized as a good source of essential nutrients and may also qualify to serve
as promising food plants for human consumption, particularly for the persons who are suffering from hypertension, liver,
gastro-intestinal and chronic diseases.
Key words: Arunachal Pradesh, Minerals, Nutrition, Protein, Wild edibles
Original Research article
Ethnobotanical Uses of Legumes in the Papum Pare District of Arunachal
Pradesh, India
Bipul Ch.Kalita1, B.J. Gogoi2, Pallabi K. Hui3 and Hui Tag1*
1Department of Botany, (Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity) Rajiv Gandhi University,
Rono Hills, Doimukh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
2Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Post Bag No. 2, Tezpur-784001, Assam, India.
3Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Arunachal Pradesh, Yupia- 791112,
District Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Journal of Bioresources 3(2): 22-27 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: huitag2008rgu@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: The Leguminosae is one of the largest families of angiosperm with 18,000 species classified into around 650 generae
and further classified under subfamilies Papilionoideae, Mimosoideae and Ceasalpinioideae. The largest genera reported are
Astragalus with more than 2000 species, Acacia with more than 900 species and Indigofera with around 700 species. Other
genera includeCrotalaria with 600 species andMimosa with 500 species. Due to its commercial, food, medicinal, aesthetic and
socio-cultural values many leguminous species are being cultivated by the local tribes in Arunachal Pradesh beside their natural
distribution. Here, an attempt was made for the survey and documentation of the native as well as exotic species of Leguminosae
distributed along different forest types in the Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh along with the ethnobotanical uses of
each species by the local residents residing in the district. This study reported 43 species of Leguminosae which is classified
under three subfamilies, namely: Papilionoideae, Mimosoideae and Ceasalpinioideae. Among 43 species reported, 10 species
were tree, 12 shrubs, 10 species were climber & Liana and 11 species were herbaceous which is put into diverse ethnobotanical
uses by the local residents (Nyishi) of the study sites.
Key words: Arunachal Pradesh, Ethnobotanical uses, Legumes, Nyishi community, Papum Pare
Original research Article
Phu: High Altitude Sacred Grove in the Monpa Cultural Landscape of West
Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalaya)
Hui Tag1*, Pallabi Kalita Hui2, Baikuntha Jyoti Gogoi3, Ngilyang Tam4 and Jambey Tsering1,5
Department of Botany, (Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity) Rajiv Gandhi University1,
Itanagar-791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
National Institute of Technology2, Yupia- 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Defence Research Laboratory3, Post Bag No. 2, Tezpur- 784001, Assam, India.
State Forest Research Institute4, Van Vihar, Itanagar-791113, Arunachal Pradesh.
Orchid Research & Development Centre5, Tipi- 790114, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Journal of Bioresources 3(2): 28-32(2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: huitag2008rgu@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: The role of sacred groves in the conservation of biodiversity has long been recognized across the world. Sacred
groves are known by different names in different areas. Phu is one such form of sacred groves which has not scientifically
reported yet. The termPhu is mentioned in several local literatures as “Mountain God” but its role in biodiversity conservation
is a new report to conservation science. ThePhu sacred groves are located only at the top of the mountains or hilly areas and
so termed as Mountain God by some authors. Local people have close association with Phu sacred groves as the soul of each
person is believed to be spiritually linked with thePhu of the locality. Due to strong beliefs and taboo associated with the Phu
sacred grove, the forest lands adjoining to it are least harmed, and the biodiversity is maintained, making it an ideal centre for
RET and medicinal plant conservation. The Phu sacred groves are prevalent in the Buddhist inhabited Himalayan region.
During a preliminary survey 29 Phu sacred groves were recorded from Arunachal Pradesh including two from bordering
districts in Bhutan, but the actual number is believed to be more than several hundred in the Himalayan region. Thus, further
study is appreciated to document Phu sacred groves existing in the Himalaya.
Key words: Arunachal Pradesh, Medicinal plant, Phu, Sacred grove
Original Research Article
Field study on Herpetofauna in Arunachal Pradesh: The Eastern Himalayan
Biodiversity Hot Spot, India.
P. Mothilal Yuvaraja*, Neelam Yania, Sanjay Talukdar, Purba J. Saikia and Hirendra N. Sarma
Department of Zoology, (Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity), Rajiv Gandhi University,
Rono Hills, Doimukh, Itanagar-791 112, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(2): 33-42(2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: marineyuva@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: The herpetofuna diversity of Papum Pare, Upper Subansiri, West Siang and East Siang districts of Arunachal
Pradesh has been documented after carrying out a survey for one year. These districts are located at the center part of the
state representing Pare, Subansiri and Siang river basin. The species were documented by means of visual encounter survey in
and around the lotic and lentic habitats of the Dikrong, Pare, Subansiri and Siang rivers system with the help of local villagers.
The present study on Papumpare, Upper Subansiri, West Siang and East Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India resulted
in recording of 8 amphibian species belonging to 5 families viz., Bufonidae, Megophryidae, Dicroglossidae, Ranidae and
Rhacophoridae under order Anura. 12 reptilian species documented belonging to order squamata and sub order serpents
which comes under 3 families such as Typhlopidae, Colubridae and Viperidae; under suborder sauria 3 families viz., Scincidae,
Agamidae and Gekkonidae were reported. One reptilian species belongs to order Lacetilia belonging to the family Varanidae
and reptilian species comes order Testudines belonging to the family Gekkonidae were also reported. In total 40% of frogs,
35% of snakes, 20% of lizards and 5% of turtles are recorded. According to the IUCN concern all the species are comes under
LC-Least Concern category except Peacock Soft shell Turtle (Nilssonia hurum ) which comes under VU- Vulnerable. Arunachal
Pradesh located at the eastern Himalayan region is one of the biodiversity hotspot zones of the world. It implies presence of
a number of endemic species in this particular zone. Documentation of the herpatofauna and their distribution on this hill
state of eastern Himalayan zone shall help in conservation strategy of the species.
Key words: Arunachal Pradesh, Biodiversity Hot Spot, Eastern Himalaya, Herpatofuna, Vulnerable species
Original Research Article
Histomorphology of certain internal organs of Mithun (Bos frontalis) in
Eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh
*Kanmuna R Talukdar, Khamhee Wangsa, Indira Sarma, Satar Nabam and Hirendra Nath Sarma
Department of Zoology (Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity), Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Itanagar - 791 112, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(2): 43-51(2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: kanmuna@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Mithun is found in eastern Himalayan region of India covering Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and
Manipur. In Arunachal Pradesh it is reared under free grazing system at an altitude of 1000-3000m (msl). Mithun has
indispensable role in socio-economic and cultural practices in local tribal population. Mithun is considered as the semi domesticated
animal and found grazing in open fields. It has got links with environment, agricultural practices, ecology and overall economy
of the state. Because of gradual denudation of free grazing area and sacrifice of Mithuns in festive occasions, existence of this
animal is at stake. The animal being vulnerable and flagship species of Arunachal Pradesh, there is a need of detailed study and
documentation of pure breed in every scientific field like pathology, histology, blood profile, hormone profile and genetics etc.
for sustainable management of Mithun. To make it helpful for the scientific community, detailed histological structure of
Mithun liver, kidney, adrenal gland and testis is reported for the first time in this paper. Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded
sections were used for routine Eosin-Hematoxylin staining. Results showed that the Mithun liver lobule is not hexagonal in
shape unlike other bovine species. Cross section of kidney showed renal corpuscle, proximal convoluted tubule and distal
convoluted tubule. Well demarcated cortex and medulla is observed in section of adrenal gland of Mithun. Sperms at various
stages of development are observed inside the Seminiferous tubule in cross section of Mithun testis.
Key words: Adrenal gland, Arunachal Pradesh, Kidney, Liver, Mithun, Testis
Original Research Article
Ecosystem services of Sacred Groves in West Kameng district of
Arunachal Pradesh
Lobsang Tashi Thungon*, O.P.Tripathi, L.B Singha
Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed University),
Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh-791109
Journal of Bioresources 3(2): 52-57(2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: lobsangnunu1010@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Present study was conducted keeping in view the importance of ecosystem services of sacred groves particularly in
the conservation of biodiversity. Inventory of sacred groves distributed in varied locations of West Kameng districts in
Arunachal Pradesh was undertaken during the year 2013-2015 and assessment of a few ecosystems was done following
standard methodologies. Altogether 17 sacred groves were reported from West Kameng district and most of them are
associated with the Buddhist temple calledGompa . Size of the sacred groves ranges between 0.001ha and > 3ha. These groves
are maintained by a family or group of clan or by the whole community. Shergaon sacred grove supports more species
diversity than the Morshing sacred grove. Large numbers of important plant species like Rhododendron arboreum, Paris
polyphylla, Valeriana jatamansi, Artemesia vulgaris, Swertia chirayita, Daphne papyracea etc. were present in the groves.
Seven species has been identified from the groves having various religious roles in the society. About 10 species had healing
properties, 2 species for agricultural tools, 17 species for food, 2 species for fodder, 4 species for fire-wood, 5 species for rituals
and multipurpose. Sacred groves are the repository of diverse natural resources having robust traditions of nature conservation
practices which in result supports varied medicinal and other valuable species. However, increasing threats to these groves
demand new conservation approaches enabling fair share of the wider values of conservation to the local communities and
positive local attitudes towards conservation goals, hence present study aims to identify their services and role play by the
traditional cultural practices in conserving the biodiversity.
Key words: Biodiversity conservation, Ecosystem services, Sacred groves, Threats
Volume 3:Issue 2
July-December 2016
